Architecture

The masterplan's character evolved through the detailed design of a first phase of 575 homes within the detailed element of the Hybrid Planning Application. Five urban blocks deliver a wide range of typologies, from terraced housing to courtyard blocks with gallery access to more traditional apartment blocks, including a 26-storey tower. These blocks also contain a huge variety of housing types to better meet the diverse needs of local people, including 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments and maisonettes and a terrace of 3-story, 5-bedroom townhouses designed by Studio Gil with Architecture Doing Place. Almost a third of these homes are for families, and more than 90% of homes are Affordable. This delivers improved accommodation for the residents of the existing estate and launches a new generation of Council housing.

Although the regeneration increases the housing density quite significantly, the architectural language nonetheless takes cues from existing local buildings, with materials and decorative features inspired by the Victorian and mid-century heritage of existing buildings across the wider neighbourhood. The varied building forms are designed within a consistent mid-rise scale, with a hierarchy of building heights relative to context. Whilst brick is the predominant material throughout, a richer mix of colours and detailing with accent materials help ensure variety and define the position of each building within the masterplan.

Wherever possible, homes have front doors accessed from new streets, squares, and parks to improve natural surveillance and reduce previous problems of antisocial behaviour. Upper-level apartment balconies are placed to maximise overlooking new parks and open spaces, giving every home a view of the many retained mature trees. A detailed Design Code will determine an appropriate balance of consistency and variety across the whole masterplan, defining massing and form but leaving varied materiality and detailing to future architects.